If you drive a Lincoln Mk VII or VIII your vehicle is equipped with height adjusting air springs.

The advanced designed Mark VII kept the same body style from 84 to 92. It came with a 5.0 HO V8 and factory installed headers 

The spacious 93 Mark VIII came with one of the most powerful engines in the ford arsenal a dual cam 32 valve 4.6 liter V8

The air spring system is common on tractor trailers & trucks but were unheard of in american automobiles

They are a marvelous creation when they work. The feel of the ride is uniquely steady and firm.

The Mark's air springs are of different designs and they are not interchangable.

They work different too. The MK VII maintains a set height. The Mark VIII automatically adjusts between highway and city heights based on vehicle speed.

The technology behind the air spring operation is the same.

The Mark VIII uses air struts in the front a combination of the two. It is attached with three 1/2 bolts at the top and one 3/4 inch bolt at the botte. If this bottom bolt has not rusted into the sleeve this will be a easy removal

The Mark VII uses shock absorbers. After the air has been removed, the front spring comes out of this model by twisting the top counter clock wise an removing a clip at the bottom.

To begin this job turn off air suspension switch in trunk of car ( left side )

Jack car up off the ground and support body on stands let the wheels hang.

Remove front wheels

On the Mark VIII you may want to move the Height adjuster out of the way, it simply snaps on and off.

You will see wires running from the adjuster to the solenoid on the air spring. Look closely at the solenoid you will see a metal spring that fits around it like a belt. Take a pair of needle nose plyers or a flat head screwdriver and pop the clip off. Save it for the reinstallation.

Now I would advise to wear a thin glove preferably leather and turn the solenoid counter clockwise. You will feel the solenoid vibrate as the safety valve opens and bleeds all the pressurized air out of the spring. When the air spring is empty continue to turn the solenoid in the same direction until you are able to lift it out of its seat.

Pay close attention to the O rings. there are two little ones divided by a teflon ring on the Mark VIII air strut

The Mark VII has One large O ring seal on the top and two smaller O rings on the end, which are also divided by the shape of the ring seat. exact placement of the seals is critical. Clean and lubricate with light oil

The air line is also attached to the solenoid and does not need to be altered.

Replace the old air spring with its replacement. Bolt, twist or snap into place depending on which model you are working on. Carefully replace the air solenoid and spring adjuster. (insure that the seals are in place)

Replace the wheels remove jack stands and lower the car back to the ground. Let the car rest on the jack.

Turn on the air suspension switch in the trunk.

Start the car.

The air suspension pump will kick in and re-inflate the air springs to normal height. Remove Jack.

You have finished RR your front air springs and are ready to roll.

and you have saved upwards of $800 per side for this job.

**** Read Ebay guide: ****

by KEMETIAN MOTIF

LINCOLN MK VIII FRONT AIR SPRING CONVERSION

ACRYLIC HEADLIGHT LENS RESTORATION

SELLER FROM HELL-FEEDBACK RETALIATION

4" LIFT WITH FACTORY AIR SPRINGS did you know you can get as much as a four inch lift on a Mark VIII with factory installed air springs? read our guide on USING FACTORY AIR SPRINGS TO GET EXTRA LIFT

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